Emer Currie
Question:84. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on his Department’s priorities for Ireland’s EU Council Presidency. [10872/26]
View answerWednesday, 11 February 2026
Questions (84)
Written answers
Holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July this year represents an important opportunity for Ireland to shape and lead on European policy priorities, including the EU’s economic and financial agenda.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are coordinating across Government on the development of the overarching policy programme for Ireland’s Presidency. This is being prepared in line with the EU Strategic Agenda for 2024-29, the European Commission’s legislative work programme and informed by stakeholder engagement and public outreach activities led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The specific priorities will depend on the progress made on the Council’s legislative agenda during the Cyprus Presidency. We will need to take stock of the progress made before we publish our own thematic priorities in June.
The Deputy will be aware of the broader economic context against which Ireland will assume the EU Presidency this summer. As such, we expect a particular emphasis on strengthening the EU’s competitiveness. Driving progress on the EU simplification agenda and the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework will also be important focuses.
In the Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) track, we expect a significant amount of work on the Savings and Investments Union, including legislative proposals aimed at building deeper and more integrated capital markets.
Other files include the digital euro, and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation. We will also advance work around taxation and customs. The Department of Finance will drive these initiatives with the goal of delivering tangible benefits for citizens and businesses.
Finally, on the wider European security context and global backdrop, the EU’s continued financial support to Ukraine and international economic relations will be important priorities.
I expect to provide more detail to the Deputy once we get closer to taking the Presidency chair on 1 July next.